August 20 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

In Eastern Orthodox liturgical practice, August 20 (or August 20th) marks a significant feast day and commemorates several important saints and events, depending on the particular Orthodox tradition (Greek, Russian, etc.) and its liturgical calendar. It typically commemorates the Holy Prophet Samuel, one of the last of the judges of Israel, revered for his anointing of the first kings of Israel, Saul and David. In some traditions, it also commemorates other saints, martyrs, or specific local celebrations that fall on this date. The liturgical services on this day will include specific hymns (troparia, kontakia, etc.) and readings from Scripture related to the saint(s) being commemorated. The date falls within the Dormition Fast, a period of strict fasting in preparation for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (falling on August 15 according to the Old Calendar, August 28 according to the New Calendar). Consequently, the liturgical guidelines for August 20 often reflect the fasting regulations of this period.